Polyesters and articles made therefrom

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are polyesters and articles made therefrom. The article comprising a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface in contact with an outside environment, wherein the substrate comprises a polymer comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF), and wherein the polymer provides an improvement in gas barrier properties of the substrate as compared to a substrate comprising nascent poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET).

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/618,437 filed on Mar. 30, 2012, which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to polyesters and in particular to poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF) and articles made therefrom.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Gas barrier properties are one of the key requirements for polymers used in packaging applications to protect the contents and provide desired shelf-life. The prevention of oxygen permeation, for example inhibits oxidation and microbial growth, whereas prevention of water vapor permeation retains liquid content. Many polymers have emerged for these applications such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PvOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer (EvOH), poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN), poly(ethylene naphthalene) (PEN), polyamide derived from adipic acid and m-xylenediamine (MXD6) and poly(vinylidene chloride) (PVdC), and may include additives to enhance barrier properties. However, most of these polymers suffer from various drawbacks. For example, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) has fair water vapor barrier, but poor oxygen barrier. EvOH exhibits good oxygen barrier at low humidity levels but fails at high levels of humidity. PET has relatively high tensile strength but is limited by low gas barrier properties.

Hence, there is a need for a new polymer with improved oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture barrier properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the invention, there is an article comprising:

a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface in contact with an outside environment.

wherein the substrate comprises a polymer comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF), and

wherein the polymer provides an improvement of 2-99% in oxygen and an improvement of 11-99% or 50-98% or 75-96% in carbon dioxide and an improvement of 3-99% and 25-75% in water vapor gas barrier properties of the substrate as compared to a substrate consisting made of nascent poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET).

In an embodiment, the polymer is a polymer blend comprising PTF and poly (alkylene terephthalate) (PAT) and wherein the polymer blend comprises 0.1-99.9% by weight of PTF based on the total weight of the polymer blend.

In an embodiment, the polymer is a polymer blend comprising PTF and poly (alkylene furandicarboxylate) (PAF) and wherein the blend comprises 0.1-99.9% by weight of PTF based on the total weight of the polymer blend.

In an embodiment, the polymer is a copolymer comprising units derived from 2,5-furandicarboxylate, terephthalate, and 1,3 propane diol monomer units, and wherein the copolymer comprises 0.1-99.9% by weight of PTF repeat units based on the total weight of the copolymer.

In another embodiment, the substrate comprises a polymer disposed in between and in contact with a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is in contact with the first surface of the substrate and the second layer is in contact with the second surface of the substrate, wherein the polymer comprises poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF), and wherein the amount of polymer is in the range of 0.1-99.9% or 5-75% or 10-50% by weight based on the total weight of the first layer, polymer, and the second layer.

In another embodiment, the substrate is in a form of a housing provided with a port for introducing a material, such that the material is in contact with the first surface of the substrate.

In an embodiment, the substrate is in the form of a film or a sheet.

In another embodiment, the polymer is disposed on at least one of the first surface or the second surface of the substrate as a coating.

In an aspect of the invention, there is a polymer composition comprising a polymer having a repeating unit of the formula:

wherein n is less than 185.

In an embodiment, n is in the range of 80-185.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited to the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary article comprising a substrate comprising a polymer comprising poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate), in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary multilayer substrate comprising a polymer disposed in between and in contact with a first layer and a second layer, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary article comprising a coated substrate, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates of a portion of an exemplary article comprising a substrate in a form of a housing provided with a port, in accordance with the present invention.

Reference numerals shown in FIGS. 1-7 are explained below:

-   -   100: article     -   300: article comprising a coated substrate 301     -   400: article comprising a substrate 401 in the form of a housing     -   101, 401: substrate     -   201: multi-layer substrate     -   102, 202, 302: polymer comprising         poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate)     -   103, 203, 303, 403: first surface of the substrate     -   104, 204, 304, 404: second surface of the substrate     -   213: first     -   214: second layer     -   405: port

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is an article comprising a substrate, the substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface in contact with an outside environment, wherein the substrate comprises a polymer comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF), and wherein the polymer provides an improvement in gas barrier properties of the substrate as compared to a substrate consisting of nascent poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET).

In an embodiment, the polymer consist essentially of poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PTF) shown below derived from 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid and 1,3-propanediol polymer:

where n=10-1000 or 50-500 or 25-185 or 80-185.

As used herein, the term “nascent PET” refers to PET composition that is 100% PET and has no additives. As used herein, the improvement in gas barrier properties is calculated as the ratio of the difference in gas barrier property between PTF and PET and the PET barrier value, expressed as a % value, as shown below:

${\% \mspace{14mu} {Improvement}} = {\frac{G_{PET} - G_{PFT}}{G_{PET}} \times 100}$

where G_(PTF) is the measured gas (oxygen, carbon dioxide or moisture) barrier value for PTF and G_(PET) is the measured gas (oxygen, carbon dioxide or moisture) barrier value for PET.

As used herein, oxygen barrier properties are measured according to ASTM D3985-05; carbon dioxide barrier properties are measured according to ASTM F2476-05; and moisture barrier properties are measured according to ASTM F1249-06. As used herein, the term “barrier” is used interchangeably with “permeation rate” to describe the gas barrier properties, with low permeation rate of a material implying that the material has a high barrier.

The article can be a film, a sheet, a coating, a shaped or molded article, or a layer in a multi-layer laminate, for example a shrink-wrap film. The article can be a shaped or molded article such as one or more of a container, a container and a lid or a cap, a cap liner or a container and a closure, for example a container such as a beverage container. A film herein can be oriented or not oriented, or uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented.

As used herein, the term “biologically-derived” is used interchangeably with “bio-derived” and refers to chemical compounds including monomers and polymers, that are obtained from plants and contain only renewable carbon, and not fossil fuel-based or petroleum-based carbon.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary article 100 comprising a substrate 101. The substrate 101 comprises a first surface 103 and a second surface 104, the second surface 104 in contact with an outside environment. As shown in FIG. 1, the substrate 101 is a single layer film or a sheet. The substrate 101 comprises a polymer 102 comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF), with the polymer 102 providing an improvement in gas barrier properties of the substrate as compared to a substrate consisting of nascent poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The improvement provided by the polymer 102 for oxygen is in the range of 2-99% or 50-98% or 75-96%. The improvement provided by the polymer 102 for carbon dioxide is in the range of 11-99% or 50-98% or 75-96%. The improvement provided by the polymer 102 for moisture is in the range of 3-99% or 25-75%.

In one embodiment, the polymer 102 has a heat of crystallization of less than 100 J/g or less than 10 J/g or less than 1 J/g, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry with heating rates of 10° C./min.

Poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF) can be derived 1, 3 propane diol and any suitable isomer of furan dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof such as, 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, 2,4-furan dicarboxylic acid, 3,4-furan dicarboxylic acid, 2,3-furan dicarboxylic acid or their derivatives.

In one embodiment, the polymer 102 consist essentially of poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PTF) which is derived from 1,3 propane diol and 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid and is amorphous.

The poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PTF) as disclosed herein can have a number average molecular weight in the range of 1960-196000 or 1960-98000 or 4900-36260. Also, the PTF can have a degree of polymerization of 10-1000 or 50-500 or 25-185 or 80-185.

In one embodiment, the polymer 102 is a polymer blend comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF) and poly(alkylene terephthalate) (PAT), wherein the polymer comprises 0.1-99.9% or 5-75% or 10-50% by weight of PTF based on the total weight of the polymer blend. The poly(alkylene terephthalate) includes units derived from terephthalic acid and a C₂-C₁₂ aliphatic diol.

In another embodiment, the polymer 102 is a polymer blend comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF) and poly(alkylene furandicarboxylate) (PAF), wherein the polymer comprises 0.1-99.9% or 5-75% or 10-50% by weight of PTF based on the total weight of the polymer blend. The poly(alkylene furandicarboxylate) includes units derived from furan dicarboxylic acid and a C₂-C₁₂ aliphatic diol.

Poly(alkylene furandicarboxylate) can be prepared from a C₂˜C₁₂ aliphatic diol and from 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof. In an embodiment, the aliphatic diol is a biologically derived C₃ diol, such as 1,3 propane diol. In a derivative of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, the hydrogens at the 3 and/or 4 position on the furan ring can, if desired, be replaced, independently of each other, with —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or a C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane group, optionally containing one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, Si and S, and also optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of —Cl, —Br, —F, —I, —OH, —NH₂ and —SH. A derivative of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid can also be prepared by substitution of an ester or halide at the location of one or both of the acid moieties.

Examples of suitable C₂-C₁₂ aliphatic diol include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol.

In an embodiment, the polymer 102 is a copolymer (random or block) derived from furan dicarboxylic acid, at least one of a diol or a polyol monomer, and at least one of a polyfunctional aromatic acid or a hydroxyl acid. The molar ratio of furan dicarboxylic acid to other diacids can be any range, for example the molar ratio of either component can be greater than 1:100 or alternatively in the range of 1:100 to 100 to 1 or 1:9 to 9:1 or 1:3 to 3:1 or 1:1 in which the diol is added at an excess of 1.2 to 3 equivalents to total diacids charged.

Examples of other diol and polyol monomers that can be included, in addition to those named above, in the polymerization monomer makeup from which a copolymer can be made include 1,4-benzenedimethanol, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(tetrahydrofuran), 2,5-di(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran, isosorbide, isomannide, glycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, erythritol, and threitol.

Examples of suitable polyfunctional acids include but are not limited to terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, adipic acid, azelic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanoic acid, 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid.

Examples of suitable hydroxy acids include but are not limited to, glycolic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, hydroxycaproic acid, hydroxyvaleric acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, 8-hydroxycaproic acid, 9-hydroxynonanoic acid, or lactic acid; or those derived from pivalolactone, ε-caprolactone or L,L, D,D or D,L lactides.

Exemplary copolymers derived from furan dicarboxylic acid, at least one of a diol or a polyol monomer, and at least one of a polyfunctional acid or a hydroxyl acid include, but are not limited to, copolymer of 1,3-propanediol, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and terephthalic acid; copolymer of 1,3-propanediol, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and succinic acid; copolymer of 1,3-propanediol, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid; copolymer of 1,3-propanediol, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and adipic acid; copolymer of 1,3-propanediol, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and sebacic acid, copolymer of 1,3-propanediol, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and isosorbide; copolymer of 1,3-propanediol, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and isomannide.

The polymer 102 described hereinabove may contain other components such as plasticizers, softeners, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, fillers and the like. The polymers described herein are of value in all forms of application where currently PET and similar polyesters are used.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary multilayer substrate 201 comprising a polymer 202 disposed in between and in contact with a first layer 213 and a second layer 214, wherein the first layer 213 is in contact with the first surface 203 of the substrate 201 and the second layer 214 is in contact with the second surface 204 of the substrate 201, with the polymer 202 comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) (PTF). In an embodiment, the amount of polymer 202 is in the range of 0.1-99.9% or 2-80% or 5-50% or 5-25% by weight based on the total weight of the first layer 213, the polymer 202, and the second layer 214.

In an embodiment, the polymer 202 comprises poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PTF), derived from 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid and 1,3-propanediol polymer. In another embodiment, the polymer 202 is a polymer blend comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) and poly(alkylene furandicarboxylate), as disclosed hereinabove. In yet another embodiment, the polymer 202 is a polymer blend comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) and poly(alkylene terephthalate), as disclosed hereinabove. In another embodiment, the polymer 202 is a copolymer copolymer derived from furan dicarboxylic acid at least one of a diol or a polyol monomer, and at least one of a polyfunctional acid or a hydroxyl acid, as disclosed hereinabove.

Any suitable material can be used for the first layer 213 and the second layer 214. In an embodiment, at least one of first layer 213 and the second layer 214 comprises poly(ethylene terephthalate). Exemplary materials for the first layer 213 and the second layer 214 include, but are not limited to PET, HDPE, LDPE, PE, PP, EvOH. In another embodiment, at least one of first layer 213 and the second layer 214 comprises poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate).

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary article 300, wherein the polymer 302 comprising poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) is disposed on at least one of the first surface 303 or the second surface 304 of the substrate 301 as a coating. In an embodiment, the polymer 302 comprises poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PTF), derived from 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid and 1,3-propanediol polymer. In another embodiment, the polymer 202 is a polymer blend comprising poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) and poly(alkylene furandicarboxylate), as disclosed hereinabove. In yet another embodiment, the polymer 302 is a polymer blend comprising poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) and poly(alkylene terephthalate), as disclosed hereinabove. In another embodiment, the polymer 302 is a copolymer copolymer derived from 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid at least one of a diol or a polyol monomer, and at least one of a polyfunctional aromatic acid or a hydroxyl acid, as disclosed hereinabove. In an embodiment, the substrate 301 is a polymeric. Exemplary materials for the polymeric substrate 301 include, but are not limited to PET, HDPE, LDPE, PE, PP, EvOH. In another embodiment, the substrate 301 is metallic. Exemplary materials for the metallic substrate 301 include, but are not limited to stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum.

In one embodiment polymer 302 comprises of PTF or a blend of PTF and Poly(alkylene furandicarboxylate) or a blend of PTF and Poly(alkylene terephthalate) or a copolymer comprising of PTF repeat units that is coated on a substrate that is typically a metal comprising of but not limited to aluminum, stainless steel or carbon steel to provide excellent abrasion resistance quantified as less than 0.01 g weight loss over 1000 cycles in TABER® tests or preferably less than 0.005 g weight loss over 1000 cycles or desirably less than 0.002 g weight loss over 1000 cycles. Such a coating may provide anti corrosion property.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the coated polymer 302 is in the range of 0.01-2500 microns or 1-1000 microns or 2-500 microns.

In an embodiment, the article 100, 200, 300 can be a film, a sheet, a coating, a shaped or molded article, or a layer in a multi-layer laminate, for example a shrink-wrap film. A film herein can be oriented or not oriented, or uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented. In an embodiment, the article 100, 200, 300 in the form of a film, a sheet, a coating, a multi-layer laminate is characterized by an oxygen permeability rate that is at least 2-99% or 50-98% or 75-96% lower than PET. In another embodiment, the article 100, 200, 300 in the form of a film, a sheet, a coating, a multi-layer laminate has a carbon dioxide permeability rate that is at least 11-99% or 50-98% or 75-96% lower than PET. In another embodiment, the article 100, 200, 300 in the form of a film, a sheet, a coating, a multi-layer laminate has water vapor permeability rate that is at least 3-99% or 25-75% lower than PET.

The difference between a sheet and a film is the thickness, but, as the thickness of an article will vary according to the needs of its application, it is difficult to set a standard thickness that differentiates a film from a sheet. Nevertheless, a sheet will be defined herein as having a thickness greater than about 0.25 mm (10 mils). Preferably, the thickness of the sheets herein are from about 0.25 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably from about 2 mm to about 15 mm, and even more preferably from about 3 mm to about 10 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the sheets hereof have a thickness sufficient to cause the sheet to be rigid, which generally occurs at about 0.50 mm and greater. However, sheets thicker than 25 mm, and thinner than 0.25 mm may be formed. Correspondingly, films as formed from the polymers hereof will in almost all cases have a thickness that is less than about 0.25 mm.

A film herein can be oriented or not oriented, or uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented. A film comprising a homopolymer PTF and characterized by an oxygen permeability of less than about 100 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 50 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 10 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 8 cc-mil/m²-day-atm; or a carbon dioxide permeability of less than about 500 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 250 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 100 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 50 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 25 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 1.7 cc-mil/m²-day-atm; or a water vapor permeability of less than 80 g-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 40 g-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 20 g-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 10 g-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 8 g-mil/m²-day-atm.

A film comprising a copolymer, PTF-co-PTT with PTF:PTT ratio of less than or equal to 3:1 and characterized by an oxygen permeability of less than about 100 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 50 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 40 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 30 cc-mil/m²-day-atm; and water vapor permeability of less than about 80 g-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 60 g-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 50 g-mil/m²-day-atm.

A film comprising a polymer blend of 10 weight % PTF with PET and characterized by an oxygen permeability of less than about 120 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 115 cc-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 112 cc-mil/m²-day-atm; or a carbon dioxide permeability of less than about less than 700 cc mil/m² day atm or less than 600 cc mil/m² day atm or less than 570 cc mil/m² day atm; or a water vapor permeability of less than about 82 g mil/100 in² day atm or less than 80 g mil/100 in² day atm.

A housing (bottle, container, jar) comprising PTF monolayer substrate, or PTF multilayer substrate (with PET or other polymer as second substrate) and characterized by an oxygen permeability of less than about 0.04 cc/bottle-day or less than 0.02 cc/bottle-day or less than 0.01 cc/bottle-day or less than 0.008 cc/bottle-day or less than 0.0065 cc/bottle-day; or a carbon dioxide permeability of less than about 6 cc/bottle-day or less than 3 cc/bottle-day or less than 1 cc/bottle-day or less than 0.5 cc/bottle-day or less than 0.10 cc/bottle-day or less than 0.05 cc/bottle-day or less than 0.015 cc/bottle-day or less than; or a water vapor permeability of less than about 0.028 g/bottle-day or less than 3 g-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 2.5 g-mil/m²-day-atm or less than 2 g-mil/m²-day-atm. As used herein, the term “bottle” is used interchangeably with package and the units “cc/bottle-day” with “cc/package-day”.

Films and sheets may be formed by any process known in the art, such as extrusion, compression, solution casting or injection molding. The parameters for each of these processes will be determined by the viscosity characteristics of the polyester and the desired thickness of the article. Containers may also be made using blow, injection, injection stretch blow, extrusion blow molding in either 1-2 steps. Coextruded cast sheet with amorphous or crystalline PET with neat or impact modified ethylene copolymers may also be made.

A film or sheet is preferably formed by either solution casting or extrusion. Extrusion is particularly preferred for formation of “endless” products that emerge as a continuous length. For example, see Published P.C.T. applications WO 96/38282 and WO 97/00284, which describe the formation of crystallizable thermoplastic sheets by melt extrusion.

In extrusion, the polymeric material, whether provided as a molten polymer or as plastic pellets or granules, is fluidized and homogenized. This mixture is then forced through a suitably shaped die to produce the desired cross-sectional shape of the article. The extruding force may be exerted by a piston or ram (ram extrusion), or by a rotating screw (screw extrusion), which operates within a cylinder in which the material is heated and plasticized and from which it is then extruded through the die in a continuous flow. Single screw, twin screw and multi-screw extruders may be used as known in the art. Different kinds of die are used to produce different products, such as sheets and strips (slot dies) and hollow and solid sections (circular dies). In this manner, films and sheets of different widths and thickness may be produced. After extrusion, the polymeric film or sheet is taken up by rollers, cooled and taken off by means of suitable devices which are designed to prevent any subsequent deformation thereof.

Using extruders as known in the art, a sheet can be produced by extruding a layer of polymer over chilled rollers and then further drawing down the sheet to size greater than 0.25 mm by tension rolls. Preferably, the finished sheet is greater than 0.25 mm thick. For manufacturing large quantities of sheets, a sheeting calendar is employed. The rough sheet is fed into the gap of the calender, a machine comprising a number of heatable parallel cylindrical rollers which rotate in opposite directions and spread out the polymer and stretch it to the required thickness. The last roller smooths the sheet thus produced. If the sheet is required to have a textured surface, the final roller is provided with an appropriate embossing pattern. Alternatively, the sheet may be reheated and then passed through an embossing calendar. The calendar is followed by one or more cooling drums. Finally, the finished sheet is reeled up.

The above extrusion process can be combined with a variety of post-extruding operations for expanded versatility. Such post-forming operations include altering round to oval shapes, stretching the sheet to different dimensions, machining and punching and the like.

The polymeric film or sheet hereof may be combined with other polymeric materials during extrusion and/or finishing to form laminates or multilayer sheets with improved characteristics, such as water vapor resistance. In particular, the polymeric film or sheet hereof may be combined with one or more of the following: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aramid, polyethylene sulfide (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyethylene imine (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polysulfone (PS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyolefins, polyethylene, poly(cyclic olefins) and poly(cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate), for example. Other polymers which may be used in combination with the polyester polymer of the invention are those listed in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/064,826 and 09/064,720. A multilayer or laminate sheet may be made by any method known in the art, and may have as many as five or more separate layers joined together by heat, adhesive and/or a tie layer, as known in the art.

A film or sheet may also be formed by solution casting, which produces more consistently uniform gauge product than that made by melt extrusion. Solution casting comprises dissolving polymeric granules, powder or the like in a suitable solvent with any desired formulant, such as a plasticizer or colorant. The solution is filtered to remove dirt or large particles and cast from a slot die onto a moving belt, preferably of stainless steel, whereon the article cools. The article is then removed from the belt onto a windup roll. The extrudate thickness is five to fifteen times that of the finished article, which may then be finished in a like manner to extruded product. Further, sheets and sheet-like articles, such as discs, may be formed by injection molding by any method known in the art; and containers such as bottles can be formed by blow molding.

Regardless of how the film or sheet is formed, it may be subjected to biaxial orientation by stretching in either the machine and transverse direction after formation by 10 times or 5 times or 2 times the original. The machine direction stretch is initiated in forming the article simply by rolling out and taking it up. This inherently stretches the film or sheet in the direction of takeup, orienting some of the fibers. Although this strengthens the article in the machine direction, it allows it to tear easily in the direction at right angles to the machine direction because all of the fibers are oriented in one direction. Therefore, biaxially stretched articles are preferred for certain uses where uniform product is desired, but also where an improved barrier is desired. Biaxial stretching orients the fibers parallel to the plane of the article, but leaves the fibers randomly oriented within the plane thereof. This provides superior tensile strength, flexibility, toughness, barrier and shrinkability, for example, in comparison to non-oriented articles. It is desirable to stretch the article along two axes at right angles to each other. This increases tensile strength and elastic modulus in the directions of stretch. It is most desirable for the amount of stretch in each direction to be approximately equivalent, thereby providing similar properties or behavior within the article when tested from any direction.

Biaxial orientation may be obtained by any process known in the art. However, tentering is preferred, wherein the material is stretched while heating in the transverse direction simultaneously with, or subsequent to, stretching in the machine direction. Shrinkage can be controlled by holding the article in a stretched position and heating for a few seconds before quenching. This heat stabilizes the oriented film or sheet, which then may be forced to shrink only at temperatures above the heat stabilization temperature.

The polymer 102, 202, 302 described hereinabove can be formed into films or sheets directly from the polymerization melt. In the alternative, the polyester may be formed into an easily handled shape (such as pellets) from the melt, which may then be used to form a film or sheet. Sheets can be used, for example, for forming signs, glazings (such as in bus stop shelters, sky lights or recreational vehicles), displays, automobile lights and in thermoforming articles.

Films obtained with polymer 102, 202, 302 as described herein show excellent mechanical properties. Moreover, such films can be subject to bi-orientation in line or after film production. The films can be also oriented through stretching in one direction with a stretching ratio from 1:2 up to 1:15, more preferably from 1:2.2 up to 1:8.

In particular, the polymer 102, 202, 302 as described herein are suitable for manufacturing:

-   -   mono- and bi-oriented films, and films multilayered with other         polymers;     -   cling or shrink films for use with foodstuffs;     -   thermoformed foodstuff packaging or containers, both mono- and         multi-layered, as in containers for milk, yogurt, meats,         beverages and the like;     -   coatings obtained using the extrusion coating or powder coating         method on substrates comprising of metals not limited to such as         stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, such coatings may         include binders, agents to control flow such as silica, alumina     -   multilayer laminates with rigid or flexible backings such as for         example paper, plastic, aluminum, or metallic films;     -   foamed or foamable beads for the production of pieces obtained         by sintering;     -   foamed and semi-foamed products, including foamed blocks formed         using pre-expanded articles; and     -   foamed sheets, thermoformed foam sheets, and containers obtained         from them for use in foodstuff packaging.

In another embodiment, the article can be a shaped or molded article, as shown in FIG. 4, such as one or more of a container, a container and a lid, or a container and a closure, for example a container such as a beverage container. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates of a portion of an exemplary article 400 comprising a substrate 401 in a form of a housing provided with a port 405 for introducing a material, such that the material is in contact with the first surface 403 of the substrate 401. The substrate 401 comprises polymer 102, 202, 302, as disclosed herein above.

In an embodiment, the article 400 in the form of a container has an oxygen permeability rate that is at least 2-99% or 50-98% or 75-96% lower than that of PET. In another embodiment, the article 400 has a CO₂ permeability rate that is at least 11-99% or 50-98 or 75-96% lower than that of PET. In another embodiment, the article 400 has water vapor permeability rate that is at least 3-99 or 25-75% lower than that of PET.

In a method of using an article hereof that is fabricated as a container, the container can be exposed to a heated liquid, gas or vapor, such as exposing the container to steam in a retort.

The article as disclosed herein above comprising a polymer comprising PTF can be used for any suitable application, including, but not limited to food and drug packaging, medical devices, personal care products, electronics and semiconductors, paints and coatings, and chemical Packaging.

Method of preparation of Polymer 102, 202, 302

The various polymers used in an article hereof include polyesters, and also various copolymers (random or block), that may be made according to the selection of which monomers are used for polymerization.

The polymer can be prepared from a C₂˜C₁₂ aliphatic diol and from 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof. In a derivative of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, the hydrogens at the 3 and/or 4 position on the furan ring can, if desired, be replaced, independently of each other, with —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or a C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane group, optionally containing one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, Si and S, and also optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of —Cl, —Br, —F, —I, —OH, —NH₂ and —SH. A derivative of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid can also be prepared by substitution of an ester or halide at the location of one or both of the acid moieties.

A polymer for use herein can be made by a two-step process, wherein first a prepolymer is made having a 2,5-furandicarboxylate moiety within the polymer backbone. This intermediate product is preferably an ester composed of two diol monomers and one diacid monomer, wherein at least part of the diacid monomers comprises 2,5-FDCA, followed by a melt-polymerization of the prepolymers under suitable polymerization conditions. Such conditions typically involve reduced pressure to remove the excess of diol monomers. Esters of 2,5 furan dicarboxylic acid or the diacid itself or mixtures of both may be used.

For instance, in step (I) dimethyl-2,5-furandicarboxylate is reacted in a catalyzed transesterification process with about 2 equivalents of a diol, to generate the prepolymer while removing 2 equivalents of methanol. Dimethyl-2,5-furandicarboxylate is preferred, as this transesterification step generates methanol, a volatile alcohol that is easy to remove. However, as starting material, diesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid with other volatile alcohols or phenols (e.g. having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 150° C., preferably less than 100° C., more preferably of less than 80° C.) may be used as well. Preferred examples therefore include ethanol, methanol and a mixture of ethanol and methanol. The aforementioned reaction leads to a polyester. Moreover, the diol monomers may if desired contain additional hydroxyl groups, such as glycerol, pentaerythritol or sugar alcohols. The furan diacid may also be used directly, or converted to the diester or can be added along with the diester.

Step (II) of this process is a catalyzed polycondensation step, wherein the prepolymer is polycondensed under reduced pressure, at an elevated temperature and in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In various embodiments of this process, the first step is a transesterification step, catalyzed by a specific transesterification catalyst at a temperature preferably in the range of from about 150 to about 260° C., more preferably in the range of from about 180 to about 240° C. and carried out until the starting ester content is reduced until it reaches the range of about 3 mol % to less than about 1 mol %. The transesterification catalyst may be removed, to avoid interaction in the second step of polycondensation, but typically is included in the second step. The selection of the transesterification catalyst is therefore effected by the selection of the catalyst used in the polycondensation step. Tyzor® organic titanates and zirconates catalysts such Tyzor® TPT, Tyzor® TBT can be used. Tin(IV) based catalysts, preferably organotin(IV) based catalysts such as alkyltin(IV) salts including monoalkyltin(IV) salts, dialkyl and trialkyltin(IV) salts and mixtures thereof, can also be used as transesterification catalysts, that are better than tin(II) based catalysts such as tin(II) octoate. These tin(IV) based catalysts may be used with alternative or additional transesterification catalysts. Antimony based catalysts can also be used.

Examples of alternative or additional transesterification catalysts that may be used in step 1 include one or more of titanium(IV) alkoxides or titanium(IV) chelates, zirconium(IV) chelates, or zirconium(IV) salts (e.g. alkoxides); hafnium(IV) chelates or hafnium(IV) salts (e.g. alkoxides). Other suitable transesterification catalysts are butyltin(IV) tris(octoate), dibutyltin(IV) di(octoate), dibutyltin(IV) diacetate, dibutyltin(IV) laureate, bis(dibutylchlorotin(IV)) oxide, dibutyltin dichloride, tributyltin(IV) benzoate and dibutyltin oxide, antimony oxides.

The active catalyst as present during the reaction may be different from the catalyst as added to the reaction mixture. The catalysts are used in an amount of about 0.01 mol % relative to initial diester to about 0.2 mol % relative to initial diester, more preferably in an amount of about 0.04 mol % of initial diester to about 0.16 mol % of initial diester.

The intermediate product is used as such in the subsequent polycondensation step. In this catalyzed polycondensation step, the prepolymer is polycondensed under reduced pressure, at an elevated temperature and in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The temperature is preferably in the range of about the melting point of the polymer to about 30° C. above this melting point, but preferably not less than about 180° C. The pressure should be reduced preferably gradually. It should preferably be reduced to as low as possible, more preferably below 1 mbar.

This second step is preferably catalyzed by a polycondensation catalyst such as one of those listed below, and the reaction is preferably carried out at mild melt conditions. Examples of suitable polycondensation catalysts include titanium(IV) alkoxides or titanium(IV) chelates, zirconium(IV) chelates, or zirconium(IV) salts (e.g. alkoxides); hafnium(IV) chelates or hafnium(IV) salts (e.g. alkoxides) tin(II) salts such as tin(II) oxide, tin(II) dioctoate, butyltin(II) octoate, or tin(II) oxalate. Other catalysts include tin(II) salts obtained by the reduction of the tin(IV) catalyst, e.g. alkyltin(IV), dialkyltin(IV), or trialkyltin(IV) salts, antimony based salts used as transesterification catalyst with a reducing compound. Additional catalyst can be added prior to the condensation reaction to increase reaction efficacy. Reducing compounds used may be well-known reducing compounds, preferably phosphorus compounds. Various suitable reducing compounds are organophosphorus compounds of trivalent phosphorus, in particular a monoalkyl or dialkyl phosphinate, a phosphonite or a phosphite. Examples of suitable phosphorus compounds are triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphite, phenyl dialkyl phosphite, tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, di(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, tristearylsorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4′-diphenylenediphosphonite, 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol alkyl (C12-15) phosphite, poly(dipropylene glycol) phenyl phosphite, tetraphenyl dipropylene glycol phosphite, tetraphenyl diisopropylene glycol phosphite, trisisodecyl phosphite, diisodecyl-phenyl phosphite, diphenyl isodecyl phosphite, and mixtures of these.

In various embodiments, the catalysts therefore include Ti salts such as titanium(IV) alkoxides or titanium(IV) chelates and/or zirconium salts can be used along with reducing agents. Preferably, the reducing compound is added in the melt of the prepolymer. The addition of the reducing compound at this stage will sometimes avoid discoloration of the polymer product and increase molecular weight of the polymer. It is thus found that a combination of transesterification catalyst and polycondensation catalyst that is of particular interest is based on a tin(IV) type catalyst during transesterification, which is reduced, preferably with triphenylphosphite and/or tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite, to a tin(II) type catalyst during the polycondensation.

The catalysts are used in an amount of about 0.01 mol % relative to initial diester to about 0.2 mol % relative to initial diester, more preferably in an amount of about 0.04 mol % of initial diester, to about 0.16 mol % of initial diester.

In solid state polymerization (SSP) processes pellets, granules, chips or flakes of polymer are subjected for a certain amount of time to elevated temperatures (below melting point) in a hopper, a tumbling drier or a vertical tube reactor or the like. The presence of titanium based catalysts during SSP of the FDCA-based polymers has enabled the polymer to reach a number average molecular weight of 20,000 and greater. As compared to SSP as typically used to upgrade recycled PET, the temperature should be elevated but nonetheless remain (well) below the melting point of the polymer.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

As used herein, the phrase “one or more” is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, one or more of A, B, and C implies any one of the following: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

Also, use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the disclosed compositions, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless a particular passage is cited. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all embodiments.

It is to be appreciated that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

The concepts disclosed herein will be further described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims.

The examples cited here relate to tannin-based foams. The discussion below describes how PTF based polymers, copolymers and blends and articles made therefrom are formed.

EXAMPLES Test Methods Molecular Weight by Size Exclusion Chromatography

A size exclusion chromatography system, Alliance 2695™ (Waters Corporation, Milford, Mass.), was provided with a Waters 414™ differential refractive index detector, a multi-angle light scattering photometer DAWN Heleos II (Wyatt Technologies, Santa Barbara, Calif.), and a ViscoStar™ differential capillary viscometer detector (Wyatt). The software for data acquisition and reduction was Astra® version 5.4 by Wyatt. The columns used were two Shodex GPC HFIP-806M™ styrene-divinyl benzene columns with an exclusion limit of 2×10⁷ and 8,000/30 cm theoretical plates; and one Shodex GPC HFIP-804M™ styrene-divinyl benzene column with an exclusion limit 2×10⁵ and 10,000/30 cm theoretical plates.

The specimen was dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) containing 0.01 M sodium trifluoroacetate by mixing at 50° C. with moderate agitation for four hours followed by filtration through a 0.45 μm PTFE filter. Concentration of the solution was circa 2 mg/mL.

Data was taken with the chromatograph set at 35° C., with a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. The injection volume was 100 μl. The run time was 80 min. Data reduction was performed incorporating data from all three detectors described above. Eight scattering angles were employed with the light scattering detector. No standard for column calibration was involved in the data processing.

Molecular Weight by Intrinsic Viscosity

Intrinsic viscosity (IV) was determined using the Goodyear R-103B Equivalent IV method, using T-3, Selar® X250, Sorona®64 as calibration standards on a Viscotek® Forced Flow Viscometer Modey Y-501C. Methylene chloride/trifluoro acetic acid was the solvent carrier.

Thermal Analysis

Glass transition temperature (T_(g)) and melting point (T_(m)) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) performed according to ASTM D3418-08.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile properties including top load were generated according to ASTM standard test D638. Drop impact was generated according to Bruceton staircase drop testing method. Tensile strength and elongation on films and bottle sidewalls were measured using Instron® testing equipment.

¹H-NMR Spectroscopy

¹H-NMR spectra were recorded on a 400 MHz NMR in either deuterated chloroform (CDCl₃) or tetrachloroethane (tce-d2). Proton chemical shifts are reported in ppm downfield of TMS using the resonance of the deuterated solvent as internal standard.

Gas Barrier Testing

Produced samples were tested for oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor barrier properties using MOCON instruments according to ASTM methods D3985-05 (oxygen), F1249-06 (water vapor) and F2476-05 (carbon dioxide). Details of the test conditions are given below:

Water vapor testing:

-   -   Testing unit: MOCON PERMATRAN®-W 3/33 or 700 (films)     -   Temperature: 37.8° C.     -   Permeant: 100% relative humidity

Oxygen testing:

-   -   Testing unit: MOCON OX-TRAN® 2/21 (films and bottle)     -   Temperature: 23° C.     -   Permeant: 0, 50 or 77% relative humidity

Carbon dioxide testing:

-   -   Testing unit: MOCON PERMATRAN(R)™ C 4/41 (films and bottle)     -   Temperature: 23° C.     -   Permeant=100% carbon dioxide, 23° C.

Materials

As used in the Examples below, PET PQ-325 poly(ethylene terephthalate) (homopolymer), 1,3-propanediol (bioPDO™), and 10 mills thick Kapton® polyimide film, were obtained from the DuPont Company (Wilmington, Del.) and were used as received, unless otherwise noted. PET AA72 poly(ethylene terephthalate) 0.82 IV (contains 1.9 mol % isophthalic acid) was obtained from NanYa and used as received. PET F80 poly(ethylene terephthalate) 0.81 IV (contains 1.6 mol % cyclohexyl dimethanol) was obtained from Eastman and used as received. PET Laser+® C9921 poly(ethylene terephthalate) 0.80 IV and PET Laser+® 4000 poly(ethylene terephthalate) 0.84 IV were obtained from DAK Americas (Wilmington, N.C.) and used as received. Titanium(IV)isopropoxide, ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and dimethylterephthalate were obtained from Aldrich and used as received. 2,5-furandimethylester (FDME) was obtained from AstaTech Inc. (Bristol, Pa.) and used as received.

Example 1 Synthesis and Solid Phase Polymerization of polytrimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PTF)

Preparation of PTF Pre-Polymers (PTF 1p-PTF 5p) by Polycondensation of bioPDO™ and FDME

2,5-furandimethylester (2557 g), 1,3-propanediol (1902 g), titanium (IV) isopropoxide (2 g), Dovernox-10 (5.4 g) were charged to a 10-lb stainless steel stirred autoclave (Delaware valley steel 1955, vessel #: XS 1963) equipped with a stirring rod and condenser. A nitrogen purge was applied and stirring was commenced at 30 rpm to form a slurry. While stirring, the autoclave was subject to three cycles of pressurization to 50 psi of nitrogen followed by evacuation. A weak nitrogen purge (˜0.5 L/min) was then established to maintain an inert atmosphere. While the autoclave was heated to the set point of 240° C. methanol evolution began at a batch temperature of 185° C. Methanol distillation continued for 120 minutes during which the batch temperature increased from 185° C. to 238° C. When the temperature leveled out at 238° C., a second charge of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (2 g) was added. At this time a vacuum ramp was initiated that during 60 minutes reduced the pressure from 760 torr to 300 torr (pumping through the column) and from 300 torr to 0.05 torr (pumping through the trap). The mixture, when at 0.05 torr, was left under vacuum and stirring for 5 hours after which nitrogen was used to pressurize the vessel back to 760 torr.

The formed polymer was recovered by pushing the melt through an exit valve at the bottom of the vessel and into a water quench bath. The thus formed strand was strung through a pelletizer, equipped with an air jet to dry the polymer free from moisture, cutting the polymer strand into chips ˜¼ inch long and ˜⅛ inch in diameter. Yield was approximately 2724 g (˜5 lbs). T_(g) was ca. 58° C. (DSC, 5° C./min, 2^(nd) heat), T_(m) was ca. 176° C. (DSC, 5° C./min, 2^(nd) heat). ¹H-NMR (TCE-d) δ: 7.05 (s, 2H), 4.40 (m, 4H), 2.15 (m, 2H). M_(n) (SEC) ˜10 300 D, PDI 1.97. IV ˜0.55 dL/g.

Using the same synthetic setup as described above, four other polymerizations were conducted. The summarized reaction setup, and obtained molecular weight characteristics are captured in the Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Characteristics of PTF pre-polymers. Batch temp. Condensation M_(n) IV Reaction # (° C.) time (hrs) Additive (g/mol)¹ PDI¹ (dL/g)² PTF_1p 223 5 N/A 4 300 1.87 0.28 PTF_2p 228 7 N/A 5 400 1.89 0.35 PTF_3p 238 5 D-10³ 10 300  1.97 0.55 PTF_4p 248 4 D-10³  9100 2.04 0.57 PTF_5p 248 3.5 D-10³ n/a n/a 0.61 ¹from SEC, ²from intrinsic viscosity, ³Dovernox-10 (D-10).

Preparation of PTF Polymers (PTF 1-PTF 5) by Solid Phase Polymerization of PTF Pre-Polymers

In order to increase the molecular weight of the PTF pre-polymers (described in section 1a above) solid phase polymerization was conducted. The quenched and pelletized PTF pre-polymer was initially crystallized by placing the material in a vacuum oven, subsequently heating the pellets under vacuum and a weak nitrogen purge to 120° C. for 120 minutes. At this time the oven temperature was increased to ˜163° C. and the pellets left under vacuum/nitrogen purge condition to build molecular weight. The oven was turned off and the pellets allowed to cool and analyzed with SEC and IV, for a summary of conditions and obtained molecular weights see Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Characteristics of solid phased PTF polymers. PTF pre- SPP polymer temp. SPP reaction M_(n) IV Polymer used (° C.) time (hrs) (g/mol)¹ PDI¹ (dL/g)² PTF _1 PTF_1p 163 423 11 500 1.91 0.52 PTF _2 PTF_2p 163 423 13 900 2.09 0.70 PTF _3 PTF_3p 163 256 18 100 1.95 0.78 PTF _4 PTF_4p 165 290 n/a n/a 0.92 PTF _5 PTF_5p 165 191 n/a n/a 0.86 ¹from SEC, ²from intrinsic viscosity.

Example 2 Preparation of PTF Films (PTF-F) and Measurement of their Barrier Properties

PTF_3 prepared above was made into a 12.5×12.5 centimeter film by compression molding at 230° C. using a heated Pasadena press. Amorphous films thus made were analyzed by DSC to show low levels of crystallinity (<1 J/g). In order to make semi-crystalline films, some of the amorphous films were annealed over night at 140° C. under pressure (5450 kg). These films showed a crystallinity of 44-48 J/g as measured using DSC techniques. The film had an area of 50 cm² and a thickness of 0.17-0.30 millimeter. Same amorphous film was used for measuring oxygen permeability rate at 23° C. at different relative humidities, as shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Oxygen permeability rate of PTF-F-2.1 at different relative humidites. Oxygen Polymer Percent relative permeability rate Sample # used humidity (cc mil/m² day atm) PTF-F-2.1 PTF_3 0 4.03 PTF-F-2.1 PTF_3 50.3 5.11 PTF-F-2.1 PTF_3 77.4 4.34

The amorphous and crystallized films were tested for oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor barrier properties using MOCON instruments and results are summarized in Table 4 below.

Comparative Example Preparation of a Polyester from 2,5-furandimethylester, and 1,4-butanediol (PBF)

1,4-butanediol (122.3 g, 1.357 mol) and FDME (125 g, 0.678 mol) were polymerized using Tyzor®TPT as catalyst (84 μL) using the same setup as used in Example 3.1 below except the monomer were different. The recovered polymer yield was ˜66 g. Tg was ˜39° C., Tm was ˜169° C. 1H-NMR (tce-d) δ: 7.30 (m, 2H), 4.70-4.30 (m, 4H), 2.0 (m, 4H). Mn (SEC) ˜12100 g/mol, PDI (SEC) 1.89.

Comparative Example Preparation of a Polyester from 2,5-furandimethylester, and Ethylene Glycol (PEF)

Ethylene glycol (84.2 g, 1.357 mol) and FDME (125 g, 0.678 mol) were polymerized using Tyzor®TPT as catalyst (76 μL) using the same setup as used in Example 3.1 below except the monomer were different. The only difference was that the ester interchange was made at 180° C. for 60 minutes and 200° C. for 60 minutes. The recovered polymer yield was ˜63 g. Tg was ˜89° C., Tm was ˜214° C. (second heating, 10° C.). 1H-NMR (tce-d) δ: 7.30 (m, 2H), 4.70-4.30 (m, 4H). Mn (SEC) ˜9400 g/mol, PDI (SEC) 1.84.

Procedure for Film preparation for PEF and PBF

PEF and PBF polymers prepared above were compression molded into 8-10 micron thick films using a hydraulic platen press. The polymer pellets were placed in a 6 inch by 6 inch frame supported on Kapton film. The polymer sample and the Kapton® film was placed between two sheets of fiberglass reinforced Teflon® and into press. The press was preheated to the desired temperature (210° C. for PBF, PTF-A and 250° C. for PEF) and the film sandwich was placed between the platen. The platen was subjected to 20,000 psig pressure was used for a period of 5-8 minutes. The film sandwich was removed and placed between two cooling plates for quenching purposes. The produced film was separated from the Teflon® sheet, and measured for thickness.

TABLE 4 Gas permeability rates for amorphous and crystalline PTF films, PBF and PEF films (ND = Not Determined) Carbon Water Crystal- Oxygen dioxide Vapor Polymer linity (cc mil/m2 (cc mil/m2 (g mil/m2 Sample # used (J/g) day atm) day atm) day atm) PTF-F-2.2 PTF_3 <1 21 2.4 31 PTF-F-2.3 PTF_3 46 8 1.7 7.3 Comparative PBF ND 77 90 60 Example PBF-F Comparative PEF ND 29 ND ND Example PEF-F

Films produced from PTF, both amorphous (PTF-F-2.2) and crystallized (PTF-F-2.3) shows an unexpected decrease in gas permeation rates compared to other furan based polyesters such as PEF-F and PBF-F, shown in table 4. Low gas permeation rates implies that these are high gas barrier materials. Even the amorphous PTF film (PTF-F-2.2) shows ˜28% improvement over PEF and ˜73% improvement over PBF in oxygen barrier. The crystalline PTF film shows ˜72% improvement over PEF and ˜90% improvement over PBF in oxygen barrier. Similarly, the CO₂ barrier for PTF is about 98% lower than PBF, depending on the crystallinity of the PTF film. Similarly, the water vapor barrier for PTF is about 70% lower than PBF, depending on the crystallinity of the PTF film. Although not quantified, both PEF and PBF films had substantial crystallinity, indicated by the opaqueness of the produced films.

Example 3 Synthesis and Barrier Properties of Copolymers (PTF-co-PTT) Based on bioPDO™, FDME and Dimethylterephthalate Example 31 Preparation of Copolymers of 2,5-furandimethylester (50 Mol %), Dimethylterephthalate (50 Mol %), and bioPDO™ (PTF-Co-PTT-3.1)

2,5-furandimethylester (73.6 g, 0.4 mol), dimethylterephthalate (77.6 g, 0.4 mol), and bioPDO™ (109.5 g, 1.44 mol) were charged to a pre-dried 500 mL three necked kettle reactor fitted with an overhead stirrer and a distillation condenser. A nitrogen purge was applied to the flask which was kept at a temperature of 23° C. Stirring was commenced at 50 rpm to form a slurry. While stirring, the flask was evacuated to 0.13 MPa and then repressurized with N₂, for a total of 3 cycles. After the first evacuation and repressurization, titanium (IV) isopropoxide (95 mg) was added.

After the 3 cycles of evacuation and repressurization, the flask was immersed into a preheated liquid metal bath set at 160° C. The contents of the flask were stirred for 20 min after placing it in the liquid metal bath, causing the solid ingredients to melt. Next, the stirring speed was increased to 180 rpm and the liquid metal bath setpoint was increased to 160° C. After about 20 minutes, the bath had come up to temperature, after which the metal bath setpoint was increased to 180° C. After about 20 min, the bath had come to temperature. The flask was then held at 180° C. still stirring at 180 rpm for an additional 45-60 minutes to distill off most of the methanol being formed in the reaction. Following the hold period at 180° C., the metal bath setpoint was increased to 210° C. After about 20 minutes, the bath had come to temperature. The flask was then held at 210° C. still stirring at 180 rpm for an additional 45-60 min after which the nitrogen purge was discontinued, and a vacuum was gradually applied in increments of approximately 1330 Pa every 10 s while stirring continued. After about 60 min the vacuum leveled out at 6500-8000 Pa. The stirring speed was then kept between 50-180 rpm and the metal bath set point increased to 230° C. After about 20 min, the bath had come to temperature and the conditions were maintained for ˜3 hours.

Periodically, the stirring speed was increased to 180 rpm, and then the stirrer was stopped. The stirrer was restarted, and the applied torque about 5 seconds after startup was measured. When a torque of 75 N/cm or greater was observed, reaction was discontinued by halting stirring and removing the flask from the liquid metal bath. The overhead stirrer was elevated from the floor of the reaction vessel, the kettle removed, and the produced polymer recovered by decanting under a stream of nitrogen gas. The recovered polymer was chopped into pellets using a Wiley mill that was cooled with liquid nitrogen. The so produced polymer pellets were dried under vacuum and a weak nitrogen stream at 50° C. for 48 hours. The yield was ˜145 g. T_(g) was ˜53° C., no melting point was observed. ¹H-NMR (tce-d) δ: 8.05 (m, 4H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 4.70-4.30 (m, 4H), 2.25 (m, 2H). Intrinsic viscosity 0.58 dL/g.

Example 32 Preparation of Copolymers of 2,5-furandimethylester (75 mol %), dimethylterephthalate (25 mol %), and bioPDO™ (PTF-co-PTT-3.1)

A PTF copolymer was prepared using the procedure described in the Example 1.1 except the relative amounts of 2,5-furandimethylester (75 mol %), dimethylterephthalate (25 mol %), and bioPDO™. The yield was ˜90%, or ˜145 g. T_(g) was ˜56° C., no melting point was observed. ¹H-NMR (tce-d) δ: 8.05 (m, 4H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 4.70-4.30 (m, 4H), 2.25 (m, 2H). Intrinsic viscosity 0.59 dL/g.

Example 4 Preparation of PTF-co-PTT Copolymer Films (PTF-co-PTT-F) and Measurement of Barrier Properties

PTF copolymers prepared in Examples 3.1 and 3.2 above, as purchased PTT, PTF_4 prepared above, and PET as comparative sample were pressed into 0.15-0.20 millimeter thick amorphous films using a heated Pasadena press (Model #: P-1250, Pasadena company). Specific conditions used for each film are given in Table 5 below. Two films were created for each sample. As a general procedure, square polymer films were made from a cut mold produced from a 0.25 millimeter thick Kapton® polyimide film. The polymer sample and the Kapton® film was placed between two sheets of fiberglass reinforced Teflon® and into the Pasadena press. Each sample was preheated at 0 pressure for 8 minutes at 275 C. It was subject to a pressure of 5000 psig for 7 minutes. After the indicated time, the plates were removed from the press and the film quenched in an ice bath. The produced film was separated from the Teflon® sheet, and measured for thickness.

The pressed films were tested for their barrier properties and a summary is given in Table 6 below.

Comparative Examples A.1 Preparation of PET Films and Measurement of Resulting Barrier Properties

A procedure similar to as described in Example 5 was used to make PET films, except that instead of using PTF, various grades of PET (PET AA72, PET F80, & PET PQ-325) were used. Include all of the differences in procedure here.

Barrier properties of PET film is given in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Gas permeation of pressed films. O₂ Water vapor Polymer (cc-mil/m2- (g-mil/m2- Sample # used day-atm) day-atm) PTF-co-PTT-F-4.1 PTF_2.1 48.4 61 PTF-co-PTT-F-4.2 PTF_2.2 30.3 49.8 PTF-F-4.3 PTF_4 20.1 38.9 Comparative PET AA72 138.1 84.7 Example A.1

As seen from Table 5, both copolymers (PTF-co-PTT-F-4.1 and PTF-co-PTT-F-4.2) and the neat PTF film (PTF-F-4.3) provide an improvement in oxygen permeability rate of at least 65% and water vapor permeability rate of at least 28% compared to the comparative PET (PET AA72). It should be noted that the copolymers (PTF-co-PTT-F-4.1 and PTF-co-PTT-F-4.2) did not have any additive for further improvement in barrier properties as compared to PET AA72 which had 1.9 mol % isophthalic acid as comonomer.

Example 5 Preparation of PTF/PET Blend Films (PTF/PET-F) and Measurement of Resulting Barrier Properties A. Drying of Polymer Pellets

Polymer pellets from PET (NanYa AA72) and PTF_4 were individually loaded in aluminum trays and placed in a vacuum oven. Under vacuum and a stream of nitrogen the samples were heated to 120° C. and kept for 24 hours to thoroughly remove any residual moisture. The dried pellets were placed and sealed in a plastic container before compounding.

B. Preparation of a Polymer Blend

The dried PET NanYa AA72 and PTF_4 pellets were prior to melt compounding combined to form a batch with a concentration of 10 wt % of the PTF pellets based upon the total weight of the blend. The thus combined pellets were mixed in a plastic bag by shaking and tumbling by hand.

The thus mixed batch was placed into a K-Tron T-20 (K-Tron Process Group, Pittman, N.J.) weight loss feeder feeding a PRISM laboratory co-rotating twin screw extruder (available from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) equipped with a barrel having four heating zones and a diameter of 16 millimeter fitted with a twin spiral P1 screw. The extruder was fitted with a 3/16″ diameter circular cross-Section single aperture strand die. The nominal polymer feed rate was 5.6 lbs/hr. The first barrel Section was set at 180° C. and the subsequent three barrel Sections and the die were set at 240° C. The screw speed was set at 100 rpm. The melt temperature of the extrudate was determined to be 256° C. by inserting a thermocouple probe into the melt as it exited the die. The thus extruded monofilament strand was quenched in a water bath. Air knives dewatered the strand before it was fed to a cutter that sliced the strand into about 2 mm length blend pellets. The produced blend pellet had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.8 dL/g.

C. Film Preparation

Produced blend and control sample PTF_4 were pressed into films according to the same procedure given in Example 1 above. Specifics for each produced film are given in Table 7 below, two separate films were created for each sample. The films were made per procedure given in Example 4.

The pressed films were tested for their barrier properties and a summary is given in Table 6 below.

Comparative Examples A.2, B & C Preparation of PET Films and Measurement of Resulting Barrier Properties

A procedure similar to as described in Example 5 was used to make PET films, except that instead of using PTF, various grades of PET (PET AA72 (contains 1.9 mol % isophthalic acid), PET F80 (contains 1.6 mol % cyclohexyl dimethanol) & PET PQ-325 (homopolymer) were used. Barrier properties of PET bottles are given in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Gas permeation of pressed films. O₂ CO₂ Water vapor Polymer (cc-mil/m2- (cc-mil/m2- (g-mil/m2- Sample # used day-atm) day-atm) day-atm) PTF/PET-F-5.1 PTF_4 & 112.4 568.6 80.4 PET AA72 PTF-F-5.2 PTF_4 20.1 22.2 38.9 Comparative PET AA72 138.1 712.7 84.7 Example A.2 Comparative PET F80 158.5 807.7 95 Example B Comparative PET PQ- 144.7 820.8 87.8 Example C 325

As seen from Table 6, a 10 wt % blend of PTF in PET provides an improvement in barrier properties as compared to all comparative copolymer PET (PET AA72 & PET F80) or homopolymer PET (PET PQ-325). The observed improvement for oxygen is at least 18%, for carbon dioxide at least 20%, and for water vapor at least 5% compared with comparative example A.2.

Example 6 Preparation of Preforms and Oriented 12 oz. Stretch Blow Molded Monolayer Bottles (PTF-B-SL-6) from Neat PTF and Resulting Gas Permeation A. Drying of Polymer Pellets

Polymer pellets from PET (Laser+® C9921) and PTF_4 were dried according to Example 3 above.

B. Preparation of Infection Molded Bottle Preforms

For the production of bottles 22 g preforms were initially injection molded using conventional methods. Specifically, an Arburg 420M single screw injection molding machine was used. The barrel temperature settings of the feed/zone 2/zone 3/zone 4/nozzle were set at 230/230/230/230/230° C. for PTF_4. The mold temperature was set at 12° C. and the cycle time was 26.5 seconds for both polymers. Regarding pressure conditions for injection and hold, PTF_4 was processed with identical conditions as compared with the PET control. The produced bottle preforms appeared to be of good quality in terms of clarity and shape without any indication of flaws, specs, or buildup of material around the threads or along the preform.

C. Preparation of Infection Stretch Blow Molded Bottles

For the production of bottles the preforms prepared in section B above were injection stretch blow molded using conventional methods. Specifically, a SIDEL SBO 2/3 blow molding machine was used to produce 12 oz. bottles. The production rate was 1000 bottles per hour and the blow cycle time ˜2.5 seconds per bottle. The PTF_4 preform preblow temperature was ˜70° C. The blow condition for PTF_4 was very similar as compared to PET. The produced bottles appeared to be of good optical quality and with adequate mechanical strength. A summary of bottle side wall tensile properties is given in Table 7 below.

Comparative Example D Preparation of Preforms and 12 Oz. Stretch Blow Molded Monolayer Bottles from Neat PET and Resulting Barrier Properties

A procedure similar to as described in Example 6 was used to make 12 oz. PET bottles, except that instead of using PTF, PET (Laser+® C9921) was used and also the temperature settings were different. For the production of preforms, the barrel temperature settings of the feed/zone 2/zone 3/zone 4/nozzle were set at 268/268/268/268/274° C. For production of blown bottles the PET preform preblow temperature was ˜99° C. Typical PET pressure and hold conditions were used for the injection molding, and blow molding step. Tensile strength of PET bottle is given in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Tensile properties of monolayer bottle side walls. Polymer Elongation at Tensile strength Sample # used break (%) (MPa) PTF-B-SL-6 PTF_4  7 (+/−3) 124 (+/−14) Comparative PET Laser+ ® 6.5 (+/−1) 103 (+/−7)  Example D C9921

The mechanical properties of bottles produced from PTF are comparable to the PET comparative example D.

A summary of the bottle gas permeation rates is given in Table 8 below.

TABLE 8 Gas permeation of monolayer 12 oz. bottles. O₂ CO₂ Water vapor Polymer (cc/bottle- (cc/bottle- (g-mil/m2- Sample # used day) day) day-atm ) PTF-B-SL-6 PTF_4 0.00655 0.0154 2 Comparative PET Laser+ ® 0.165 0.5225 3.5 Example D C9921

As seen from Table 8, the monolayer PTF bottle (PTF-B-SL-6) provides a 96% improvement in oxygen, an 97% improvement in carbon dioxide, and an 43% improvement in water vapor barrier properties compared to the PET comparative example (PET Laser+® C9921). Please note that the stretch ratio between the PTF bottle and the comparative example bottle was the same.

Example 7 Preparation of preforms and oriented 10 oz. stretch blow

molded multilayer bottles (PTF-B-ML-7) from PTF and PET, and resulting barrier properties

A. Drying of Polymer Pellets

Polymer pellets from PET (Laser+® 4000) and PTF_4 were dried according to Example 3 above.

B. Preparation of Multilayer Infection Molded Bottle Preforms

For the production of multilayer 10 oz. bottles 17 g multilayer preforms were made in a similar injection molding process explained in Example 3 above. It is well known that a barrier polymer resin is applied as a discrete layer in various packaging options. Typically the barrier layer is surrounded by a structural polymer that provides bulk and mechanical strength. In order to provide a multilayer preform a Kortec multilayer manifold was used that through an annular feed distributes two individual polymer melt flows, processed from two individual single screw extruders, into the preform mold. Here PTF_4 was used as the middle layer at 5 and 10 wt % relative the total preform weight, and PET was distributed to provide the outer and inner layers. The barrel temperature settings of the feed/zone 2/zone 3/zone 4 were set at 270/270/270/270° C. for PET and 210/230/230/230° C. for PTF_4. The mold temperature was set at 12° C. and the cycle time was ˜31 seconds for all produced preforms. Regarding pressure conditions for injection and hold, the multilayer preforms containing PTF_4 was processed with identical conditions as compared with the PET comparative example. The produced multilayer preforms appeared to be of good quality in terms of clarity and shape without any indication of flaws, specs, or buildup of material around the threads or along the preform. Furthermore, the PTF_4 middle layer was clearly observed when analyzing the preform cross-section.

C. Preparation of Injection Stretch Blow Molded Multilayer Bottles

For the production of multilayer bottles the preforms prepared in section B above were injection stretch blow molded using conventional methods. Machine and conditions were similar as in Example 3 above. It is to be noted that the 5 and 10 wt % PTF_4 containing preforms processed identical to the PET comparative example. The produced bottles appeared to be of good optical quality and with adequate mechanical strength.

A summary of bottle mechanical properties (tensile, drop impact, adhesion, top load) is given in Table 9 below.

A summary of the multilayer bottle barrier properties is given in Table 10 below.

Comparative Example E Preparation of Preforms and 10 Oz. Stretch Blow Molded Monolayer Bottles from Neat PET and Resulting Barrier Properties

A procedure similar to as described in Example 6 was used to make 10 oz. PET bottles, except that instead of using PTF, PET (Laser+® C9921) was fed in both extruders. The barrel temperature settings of the feed/zone 2/zone 3/zone 4 were set at 270/270/270/270° C. Typical PET pressure and hold conditions were used for the injection molding, and blow molding step.

Tensile strength of PET bottle is given in Table 9 and barrier properties in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Mechanical property summary of multilayer bottles. Amount of PTF_4 layer, Drop Adhesion based on the total Tensile Elongation impact (max force weight of the strength at break mean for peel, Sample multi-layers. (MPa) (%) height (m) g/In) PTF-B-ML-7.1  5 wt % 93 (+/−5) 4.5 (+/−0.6) 2.02 (+/−0.15) 10 (+/−1)  PTF-B-ML-7.2 10 wt %  91 (+/−22) 4.2 (+/−0.7) 2.19 (+/−0.20) 30 (+/−3.6) Comparative 0 91 (+/−8) 4.2 (+/−0.3) 1.90 (+/−0.01) Peel and Example E tear

The mechanical properties of multi layer bottles produced from PTF are comparable to the PET comparative example E.

TABLE 10 Multilayer 10 oz. bottle gas permeation summary. Amount of PTF_4 layer, Water Sample based on the total O₂ CO₂ vapor (10 oz. weight of the (cc/bottle- (cc/bottle- (g/bottle- bottles) multi-layers. day) day) day) PTF-B-ML-7.1  5 wt % 0.04 5.57 0.027 PTF-B-ML-7.2 10 wt % 0.034 3.6 0.028 Comparative 0 0.041 6.23 0.029 Example E

As seen from Table 10, the multiayer PTF bottle (5 wt %) provides an 2.4% improvement in oxygen, an 11% improvement in carbon dioxide, and an 7% improvement in water vapor as compared to the PET comparative example(PET Laser+® C9921. Although the multilayer processing was not optimized for improvement in gas barrier properties, improvement was obtained at even low levels of PTF i.e., 5 wt %.

The multiayer PTF bottle (10 wt %) provides 17% improvement in oxygen, 42% improvement in carbon dioxide, and 3% improvement in water vapor as compared to the PET comparative example (PET Laser+® C9921. These results indicate that as one increases the PTF content in the article such as multilayer bottles, the barrier properties show further improvement. Please note that the stretch ratio between the PTF bottle and the comparative example PET bottle was the same.

Example 8 Preparation of Cast and Biaxially Oriented Films (PTF-F-BiO-8) of PTF 5 and Measured Barrier A. Drying of Polymer Pellets

PTF_5 polymer pellets were dried according to Example 3 above.

B. Preparation of Cast Extruded Films

For the production of cast extruded films a 28 mm W&P (Werner & Phleiderer) twin screw extruder was used equipped with a 60/200 mesh filter screen and a 25 centimeter wide film casting die. PTF_5 pellets were fed similar to Example 3 above and the extruder barrel sections (5 in total) and die were all set at 235° C., the extruder feed temperature was set at 180° C. The feed rate was 15 pounds per hour and the extruder screw speed was 125 rpm.

The panel melt temperature was measured at 257° C. The film was collected after being cast on a cooling drum with a temperature set point of 40° C., the measured film thickness was ˜0.55 millimeter and the width was about 22 centimeter. Following the casting process the produced film was cut into paper sized films (˜20×30 centimeter).

C. Preparation of Oriented Films

For the production of biaxially oriented films a heated Maxi Grip 750 S device was used. Initially 140×140 millimeter films were cut and loaded into the device. The film was subsequently heated and optimal orientation was possible when the film temperature was in the proximity of 85-86° C., this typically required a preheat time of ˜60 seconds. The stretching speed was 23×34%/second which resulted in a stretch ratio of 2.7×3.5, the obtained film thickness was ˜60-130 micrometer.

The oriented films were tested for their barrier properties and a summary is given in Table 13 below.

TABLE 11 Gas permeation summary of oriented PTF_5 films. Film O₂ CO₂ Water Poly- Thick- (cc-mil/ (cc-mil/ vapor mer ness m²- m²- (g-mil/m²- Sample # used (μm) day-atm) day-atm) day-atm) PTF-F-BiO-8.1 PTF_5 119 17.7 86 — PTF-F-BiO-8.2 PTF_5 71 — — 37.2

As seen from Table 11, the biaxially oriented PTF films show oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor permeation values lower as compared to oriented PET reported literature values (Y. S. Hu et al./Polymer 46 (2005) 2685-2698; Polymer 42 (2001) 2413-2426) are 62-77 cc-mil/m²-day-atm for oxygen, 300-700 cc-mil/m²-day-atm for carbon dioxide, and 23-38 g-mil/m²-day-atm for water vapor.

Example 9 Powder Coating of Metal Substrates with PTF

PTF polymer pellets were cryo-milled through four passes to produce a powder using a Spex mill. Analysis of the particle size distribution of the milled material was done using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 particle analyzer in water (both with and without sonication) to give measured values of d(0.5)˜54 micron, d(0.9)˜145 micron and d(0.1) of 16 micron. The milled powder was applied to a degreased aluminum and carbon steel panels using an electrostatic sprayer and then cured at 380° C. for 20 minutes in a vented convection oven. Examination of these panels showed that the coating produced was clear with an average coating thickness of 3 microns. These coated panels showed excellent abrasion resistance in the TABER® Abraser tester to provide a weight loss of 0.0017 g loss over 1000 cycles using ASTM D3451. 

1-50. (canceled)
 51. Use of a polymer composition as an oxygen barrier layer, as a carbon dioxide barrier layer and/or as a moisture barrier layer wherein the polymer composition comprises a polymer having a repeat unit of the formula:

wherein n is 10-1000.
 52. The use of the polymer composition of claim 51, wherein the polymer is: (a) poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) derived from 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and 1,3-propanediol; (b) a polymer blend comprising 0.1-99.9% by weight of poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) and 99.9-0.1% by weight of a poly(alkylene terephthalate), based on the total weight of the polymer blend, wherein the poly(alkylene terephthalate) comprises monomeric units derived from terephthalic acid and a C₂-C₁₂ aliphatic diol; or (c) a poly(trimethylene furandicarboxylate) copolymer derived from 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, at least one of a diol or a polyol monomer, and at least one of a polyfunctional aromatic acid or a hydroxyl acid, wherein the molar ratio of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid to at least one of a polyfunctional aromatic acid or a hydroxy acid is in the range of 1:100 to 100:1, and wherein the molar ratio of diol to total acid content is in the range of 1.2:1 to 3:1.
 53. The use of the polymer composition of claim 51, wherein the polymer composition provides an improved barrier to at least one of oxygen, carbon dioxide or moisture as compared to a 100% poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate, wherein the oxygen permeability is measured according to ASTM D-3985, the carbon dioxide permeability is measured according to ASTM F-2476-05, and the moisture permeability is measured according to ASTM F-1249-06.
 54. The use of the polymer composition of claim 51, wherein the oxygen permeability is less than about 100 cc-mil/m²-day-atm at 23° C. and 0%, 50% or 77% relative humidity; or wherein the carbon dioxide permeability is less than about 500 cc-mil/m²-day-atm at 23° C. and 0% relative humidity; or wherein the moisture permeability is less than about 80 g-mil/m²-day-atm at 37.8° C. and 100% relative humidity.
 55. The use of the polymer composition of claim 51, wherein the polymer has a heat of crystallization of less than 100 J/g.
 56. The use of the polymer composition of claim 51, wherein the polymer composition consists essentially of poly(trimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) and is amorphous.
 57. The use of the polymer composition of claim 51, wherein the polymer composition comprises a film or a sheet.
 58. The use of the polymer composition of claim 57, wherein the film is uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented.
 59. The use of the polymer composition of claim 57, wherein the film or sheet is a monolayer or a multilayer article.
 60. The use of the polymer composition of claim 57, wherein the film or sheet is a container.
 61. The use of the polymer composition of claim 60, wherein the container is a beverage container. 